Sheffield Bankers HC coach insists his side are about to hit top gear ahead of trip to Wakefield

Hockey

Ruth Dacey

Published:00:00Friday 13 February 2015

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Matt Northcott, coach of Sheffield University Bankers, is confident his side are about to hit their full stride in the league after netting six past Harrogate last weekend.

Northcott’s Bankers, who face Wakefield away tomorrow, have won six in a row now and remain unbeaten in North 1 Division, currently in second place on 36 points.

City of York are ahead by eight points but have played an extra two games.

And 23-year-old Northcott said: “There was still a little bit of rustiness in the side’s performance but we had much better movement than the previous week and were more clinical in front of goal. “I think we were particularly good in midfield as we controlled the game from the start and created opportunities.

“We secured a very early goal which helped us settle into the game and pushed on from there.

“We haven’t looked like the free-flowing team I know we are in previous weeks but we are definitely getting back to our best and with more game time we can only improve.

“I want us winning games with the attacking flair we showed near the beginning of the season.

“I know the players have more to give and hopefully we will hit the top form just when we need it.”

The Sheffield side, who have only conceded 16 goals in the league this season, will also take on city rivals Sheffield Hallam 2s at home the next day, in a grudge league match.

“Hallam may have slipped down the league a little bit recently but that will make no difference to the fixture, it will be extreme fiery and it may well be one of the most difficult games of the season,” said Matt.

“You can never quite be sure which team of theirs will turn up on the day so we have to be prepared for everything.

“I just want us to treat it like any other game and just focus on what we have to do.

“We need to control the game from the start, play to our strengths and take those chances.”